topic Re: PIXMA MX922 unusual PGBK alignment pattern in Desktop Inkjet Printers

PIXMA MX922 unusual PGBK alignment pattern

Doc_Ondrusek — Mon, 16 Aug 2021 16:57:15 GMT

My MX922 suddenly started printing blurry black text. The alignment pattern shows a very unusual horizontal divergence pattern, almost as if it is an intentional pattern:

Has anyone ever seen this pattern? Note how the first divergence (3rd row) forms a perfect inverted "V" - the double lines are perfectly vertical until the 3rd last row where the converge again in a perfect "V" shape.

This seems too "perfect" to be a faulty head; I'm suspecting a software or firmware issue. Anyone else ever see (and hopefully resolve) this?

Everything else about the print, including the other colors, all work fine.

Thanks in advance. Doc.

Re: PIXMA MX922 unusual PGBK alignment pattern

romcycle — Thu, 16 Sep 2021 16:21:37 GMT

Yes, I have exactly the same problem with my MG7720. It's Only the PGBK pattern. All others are fine. Cleaning and Alignment also didn't help. Cleaning the timing strip (as mentioned in some other article) also did not help.

Re: PIXMA MX922 unusual PGBK alignment pattern

Billinnj — Thu, 30 Sep 2021 00:47:31 GMT

I have the same problem with my MX922. I'm starting to wonder if it isn't a Windows 10 problem...

Re: PIXMA MX922 unusual PGBK alignment pattern

Patrick — Tue, 12 Oct 2021 19:07:33 GMT

Hi Doc_Ondrusek,

Blurry / double printing can be caused by a smudge on the encoder/timing strip.

To clean the encoder/timing strip, please follow the steps outlined in the following Knowledgebase Article available from our web site:

https://support.usa.canon.com/kb/index?page=content&id=ART142447

If the issue persists, your PIXMA MX922 would require service. If your PIXMA MX922 was purchased less than a year ago, please contact one of Canon's Technical Support Representatives via phone or chat to obtain your in warranty options. To contact a Technical Support Representative, please use the link below:

https://mycanon.usa.canon.com

If your PIXMA MX922 is out of warranty, you are eligible for Canon's Upgrade Program. This is for out of warranty units which have been diagnosed to require service, or for some reason are incompatible with a new or upgraded system. This option allows you a one-time opportunity to purchase a replacement product, discounted from the list price.

To help you get up and running quickly, we also offer free standard shipping (if the order is completed by 12:30PM ET). If you would like to take part in this option, please call our Sales Department at (866) 443-8002 seven days a week, 8am to Midnight. Let them know you have been working with technical support and the Canon Upgrade Program was offered.

Re: PIXMA MX922 unusual PGBK alignment pattern

Crispy47 — Wed, 13 Oct 2021 03:40:05 GMT

I have a similar problem with the PGBK alignment, except that mine blurs and skews the lines even more than yours.

I have cleaned and deep cleaned numerous times, cleaned the timing strip several times, but still cannot get the alignment to print correctly.

Any suggestions?

Re: PIXMA MX922 unusual PGBK alignment pattern

Billinnj — Wed, 13 Oct 2021 12:05:40 GMT

It seems that too many people are having problems with the PGBK cartridges. I've tried Canon and non-Canon cartridges and both provlde the same alignment pattern. I've cleaned the timing strip several times and that doesn't seem to help. I've removed the Windows drivers from both my Windows-10 computer and reinstalled them to no avail. Canon offers to replace the printer with a Pixma TR8620 for $179.00 but way too many customers who bought this replacement have reported this replacement as an unsatisfactory performer. I notice that other models of printers which use the PGBK cartridge are experiencing the same alignment pattern problem. So that tells me it's the electronics inside the PGBK cartridges communicating with the printer software may be causing this problem and it occurs using Canon cartridges and non-Cannon cartridges. I do notice that none of my color cartridges produce this faulty printing...it's only tthe PGBK cartridge. So, my thought is it's either the software inside the PGBK cartridges (all these cartridges are produced in China) that's defective or Canon has bad driver software. Maybe somehow we need to purge the firmware imbedded in the Canon printers and load a fresh version of their firmware. Does anyone using an operating system other than Windows 10 experience this problem with their PGBK cartridge misalignment?

Re: PIXMA MX922 unusual PGBK alignment pattern

Billinnj — Thu, 14 Oct 2021 02:33:57 GMT

Cleaning the encoder filming strip doesn't resolve the alignment problem. Since Canon no longer services this printer they offer a cheap imitation which has many complaints from the user community. I replaced the head with a new Canon head and that didn't resolve the problem but causes the display a Code B200 (printer needs service)... I give up on Canon and purchased an HP product.

Re: PIXMA MX922 unusual PGBK alignment pattern

Doc_Ondrusek — Fri, 05 Nov 2021 01:29:08 GMT

Cleaning the encoder strip had no effect. If that was the problem, the other colors would also have issues; they did not. I'm going to try a hard reset. If I don't get a solution, I'm just going to scrap it. Shame. Canon printers used to be awesome. But you drop service and parts for them too quickly. And this issue, which many are reporting, seems like a built in obsolescence feature. Intentional. Aside, I have an i960 printer that was beautiful. Needs a print head. Can't get one. Canon, You Suck.

Re: PIXMA MX922 unusual PGBK alignment pattern

Doc_Ondrusek — Fri, 05 Nov 2021 01:30:39 GMT

I'm on Windows 8.1 - it's not a driver issue.

Re: PIXMA MX922 unusual PGBK alignment pattern

bennetto — Sat, 12 Feb 2022 06:33:04 GMT

I'm using a Pixma IP8760.

I've seen other posts on this exact same problem. They are all using Windows, so I'd like to advise everyone I'm using MacOS High Sierra Version10.13.6

As a result I agree with everyone else that it seems to be a glitch with the PGBK cartridges. Both original Canon and and generics. I'm very disappointed in Canon and their lack of solution to their customers.

Re: PIXMA MX922 unusual PGBK alignment pattern

jf2004573 — Sat, 15 Oct 2022 14:20:38 GMT

This is about the flow rate of the PGBK. When the printer prints, it can't make a dark black line with one pass. So when it prints you get a stuttering effect. The solution is to flush PGBK.

Re: PIXMA MX922 unusual PGBK alignment pattern

S-Belly — Sat, 28 Jan 2023 16:26:08 GMT

I have a pixma MG5550 printer and I am getting the same problem for the last 3 months or maybe longer. When I do the test on the print nozzles the PGBK one shows the exact same patter as you. When print color its fine.

The problem is when I print text, which I assume uses PGBK, I get like a double print ghost image every other line.

I have done an alignment and a deep clean as well as cleaning the encoder strip but it hasn't changed

Re: PIXMA MX922 unusual PGBK alignment pattern

Doc_Ondrusek — Sat, 28 Jan 2023 18:23:15 GMT

That was the first thing I tried. Pulled the print head and super cleaned and flushed. No change. Besides, it is really unlikely that so many would have the exact same problem pattern. Flow issues would more likely be random.

Re: PIXMA MX922 unusual PGBK alignment pattern

S-Belly — Sun, 29 Jan 2023 11:37:51 GMT

I have a Canon Pixma MG5550 and am experiencing the exact same problem. Cleaned the encoder strip. Gone through all the maintenance and nothing has fixed it.

Re: PIXMA MX922 unusual PGBK alignment pattern

Stephen — Sun, 29 Jan 2023 13:46:49 GMT

Welcome to The Canon Community, and thank you for your inquiry!

We appreciate your participation; however, we must let you know that the Canon Community is hosted and moderated within the United States by Canon USA. We can only provide support for Canon products manufactured for and used within the US market. The PIXMA MG5550 is a European exclusive.

If you live outside the United States, please C LICK HERE and select your country or region for your support needs.

You're welcome to discuss Canon products sold outside of the United States, but please be aware that you will not receive support directly from Canon USA.

Re: PIXMA MX922 unusual PGBK alignment pattern

S-Belly — Sun, 29 Jan 2023 20:25:24 GMT

Thank you for replying and yes I am based in the UK but this was the first place I found where I saw people talking about the exact same problem I was seeing with my printer and I assumed the solution would be the same. However I will contact the equivalent forum in the UK but.....I will check here in case you guys ever find a solution

Re: PIXMA MX922 unusual PGBK alignment pattern

S-Belly — Mon, 30 Jan 2023 13:21:18 GMT

Okay so I managed to get through to tech support in the UK and they don't seem to be aware of this issue affecting a wide range of their printers either. I was first asked if I cleaned the encoder strip. "Yes" They still sent me the instructions. Then they said it was probably the printer head and that the printer would need to be sent in for repair. Sadly I imagine the advisor was just going through a script and wasn't the expert as advertised.

Just to rule out the encoder strip again..If there were smudges on the encoder strip then would we just see error (double printing) where the smudges are? Not the full width of the page every 20cm.

When a printer prints with PGBK does it print left to right then feed the sheet then right to left? if this is the case could there just be a fault printing in one direction? Just assuming a print head is 20cm in width. Not sure if knowing that would help find a solution.

Sadly I think I will leave it there as I imagine the cost of repair will be more than a replacement

Re: PIXMA MX922 unusual PGBK alignment pattern

Frapman — Tue, 28 Feb 2023 16:49:30 GMT

I'm running Windows 7 Pro and this is my second Pixma MX922. Both developed the same problem. No amount of cleaning, aligning, etc. will fix the problem. As stated, it is only with the black PGBK cartridge no matter if it is Canon OEM ink or a compatible ink. Has Canon fixed this issue yet since they are acutely aware of the problem?

Re: PIXMA MX922 unusual PGBK alignment pattern

cgantz2000 — Thu, 18 Jul 2024 00:02:02 GMT

I recently developed the same problem. I went through the cleaning/aligning steps like others, with no effect. Since the problem happens only with the PGBK ink, which is used primarily for printing, I searched for how to print without using the PGBK. I ran across this: How to disable PGBK ink on a Canon printer and use BK for black? - Super User. This has two ways to print without the PGBK. I tried the method setting the paper type to "high resolution paper. This seems to take care of the problem. It may slow down the printing, and, since the regular BK black is used for all black printing, that ink will run out faster.